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setbacks

NOUN

disappointment

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blow defeat delay difficulty hindrance impediment misfortune obstacle reversal slowdown stumbling block trouble

STRONG

about-face bath bottom check comedown flip-flop hitch rebuff regress regression reverse upset

WEAK

backset drawing board hold-up reversal of fortune whole new ballgame

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance advantage aid assistance blessing contentment expedition furtherance help peace

WEAK

achievement boon boost success

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Unfortunately, interruptions in the scientific process cause cascading setbacks.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

Despite suffering some temporary trading setbacks, Exxon and Chevron posted first-quarter earnings Friday that beat Wall Street’s expectations.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

After recovering from that knee injury Havertz has had two setbacks, the latest of which ruled him out of Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

What’s less apparent to new retirees is how big the spending dent needs to be and how long the market setbacks need to last to really harm your long-term retirement success.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Progress was halting, and typically accompanied by setbacks.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela